Originally written for the Boston Pops orchestra, and a staple of winter concerts everywhere, surely one of everyone’s favourite piecces.

This version was chosen because it is slightly slower than Leroy Anderson’s own version, which was played at a white-knuckle-ride pace. Also, I find the spoken introduction pleasing – the music starts at 1:18.

Played here by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy as part of the Mooney Tunes concert on Sunday 19 December 2010, at the Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin.

For those who wish to research the (surprisingly very good) Ronnettes’ version, it is Here(Link)

“I gave everything to [this symphony] I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again.”

Camille Saint-Saens, circa 1887

Composed at the height of his powers, without compromise.

This performance conducted by Myung-whun Chung, with the Radio France Philharmonic, at the BBC Proms 2008, at the Royal Albert Hall. Olivier Latry was the organist. The virtuoso pianists go uncredited.